Sex Differences in Colonoscopy Indications and Findings: Results from a Large Multicenter Database

Abstract

Background: Sex-based differences are common among diseases. We aimed to investigate the differences in colonoscopy indications and its findings between males and females. Methods: A large, multi-center, cross-sectional, retrospective study included all colonoscopies performed between 2016 and 2021 in seven endoscopy departments. The indications and findings of the procedures were compared between males and females. Results: A total of 151,411 (52.6%) women and 136,519 (47.4%) men were included, aged 56.54 ± 12.9 years and 56.59 ± 12.7. Cecal intubation was similar (95.6% vs 95.5%, p = 0.251). More females had excellent or good bowel preparation compared to males (71.4% vs 65.6%). Colonoscopy due to abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and anemia was higher in females compared to males (15% vs 9.9%, 3.9% vs 2.2%, and 7.6% vs 4.9%, p < 0.001, respectively), while positive FOBT, rectal bleeding and post-polypectomy surveillance and screening were more common indications among males (9.5% vs 7.8%, 10.7% vs 7.8%, and 10.8% vs 7.1%, respectively). On colonoscopy, males were found to have significantly higher colorectal cancer and polyps (0.5% vs 0.4% and 35.1% vs 24.6%). Polyp detection rates were lower in females across all indications, whereas diverticulosis rates were higher in males. However, a clinically significant difference regarding diverticulosis was observed only in patients with anemia as the indication. Conclusions: Notable differences exist between males and females in terms of the indications and findings on colonoscopy. This highlights the need for identifying the factors contributing to these differences and the developing sex-specific approaches for the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases.

Keywords: Colonoscopy; females; indication; males.